Early Childhood Development Worker Job Description

ABORIGINAL FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM

Early Childhood Development Worker

SUPERVISION:

Under the direction of the Executive Director / Director of Operations the Early Childhood Development Worker is responsible for assisting the Aboriginal Family Support Worker in the effective and efficient delivery and administration of the Aboriginal Family Support Programin accordance with all relevant policies and procedures.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Early Childhood Development Worker is responsible for developing and implementing a developmentally based, educational program to care for young children, primarily between the ages of birth to six years of age. The Early Childhood Development Worker must ensure the development and safety of children in accordance with relevant federal, provincial, and internal Friendship Centre policies. The Early Childhood Development Worker will be respectful of children and parents, and develop opportunities that will support the emotional, physical, cognitive and social needs of children and their families.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Preferred diploma in Early Childhood Education and/or equivalent experience.
  • Knowledge of child development theories and practices, emerging trends in early childhood education, determinants of health, and supportive, preventative programming.
  • Ability to effectively interact and relate to childrenand their families in a developmentally appropriate manner.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures to ensure that children are supervised and safe at all times.
  • Ability to lift / carry children required.
  • Ability to supervise children required.
  • Must be sensitive to individual children’s differences and needs.
  • Knowledge of Aboriginal culture and experience working with Aboriginal persons; understanding of the northern cultural environment; knowledge of an Aboriginal language(s) will be considered an asset.
  • Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; effective verbal and listening communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office including database applications.
  • Excellent case and file management skills, stress management and time management skills, ability to meet deadlines.
  • Group facilitation, team building and decision making skills; ability to problem solve and take initiative.
  • Effective crisis intervention skills.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, possibly evenings and/or weekends.
  • Valid First Aid / CPR Certificate and Safe Food Handling certification is an asset.
  • A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be a condition of employment.
  • Must have a valid Ontario driver’s license and reliable transportation.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Early Childhood Development Worker shall have responsibility for the following:

  1. Assist in the Development and Implementation of Programming for Young Children and their Families:
  • Plan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the children in the program.
  • Plan, prepare, and provide nutritious snacks and meals.
  • Provide adequate equipment, resources, and activities relevant to programs.
  • Ensure equipment and the facility are clean, well maintained and safe at all times.
  • Maintain good communication with families.
  • Develop culturally appropriate programs and activities.
  • Help plan and implement activities that introduce math and literacy concepts and support school readiness.
  • Establish policies and procedures including acceptable disciplinary policies.
  • Be familiar with emergency procedures.
  • Seek opportunities and partnerships that support children in the community.
  • Provide home visitations and other tailored family support services.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  1. Supervise Children in the Program(s):
  • Ensure children are supervised at all times.
  • Provide various experiences and activities for children including songs, games and storytelling.
  • Build children’s esteem.
  • Establish routines and provide positive guidance.
  • Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable.
  • Implement positive discipline when required; model positive discipline and behaviour.
  • Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that children understand.
  • Maintain knowledge and awareness of current early childhood education best practices and trends.
  • Provide opportunities that foster healthy parent-child interaction, support positive attachment and resiliency skills development.
  • Provide a warm, safe, and caring environment that is kept orderly, clean and appealing; the environment should allow the child to grow and explore.

3.Program Delivery:

  • Plan agendas, secure necessary resources, organize and deliver programming and special activities as per annual service plan.
  • Encourage culturally appropriate early intervention and prevention strategies including child development, health, nutrition, home safety, parent / child interaction, social, physical and intellectual development, coping strategies, etc.
  • Plan menus, shop for necessary supplies, supervise volunteer involvement in food preparation, prepare and serve food to children and families as appropriate.
  • Drive the Centre van as needed; properly install appropriate car seats; maintain mileage records.
  • Ensure Criminal Background Checks and vulnerable sector screening are secured and assessed for individuals volunteering in the program.

4. Program Administration:

  • Help develop and maintain current, accurate and confidential participant filesthat reflect assessment, services and outcomes.
  • Assist with participant intake procedures.
  • Assist with collection of statistical data, including maintaining attendance records and recording individual contacts with participants.
  • Participate in case audits, compliance audits, program evaluations and any other specially designed processes that may be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the Aboriginal Family Support Program.
  • Keep apprised of relevant legislation or policy changes in relation to the early childhood and CAPC CPNP fields.
  • Provide promotional support for program.
  • Provide clerical support, including cheque requisitions, purchase orders, photocopying, and faxing.
  • Assist in developing annual work plans and reporting in Annual Reports and Narratives.
  • Maintain knowledge of community resources and services for appropriate referral and linking of families to support networks.
  • Submit written reports to the Executive Director / Director of Operations outlining programming activities, committee work, Friendship Centre activities, and other reports as required.
  • Compile and submit statistical data using designation database systems.
  • Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date client files and systems that are essential components of good program management, which demonstrate the program is being delivered according to proposed work mandate and work plan.
  • Respond to correspondence and information requests as required.
  • Attend TBIFC Annual General Meeting.
  • Complete internal administrative tasks i.e. time sheets, mileage logs, personal expense reports, etc.

5. Community Development & Outreach:

  • Initiate and maintain contact with community agencies, families, groups, and networks.
  • Attend, participate, and/or facilitate relevant meetings, conferences or workshops as a representative of the Aboriginal Family Support Program as required.
  • Promote the program and services of the Aboriginal Family Support Program and/or other TBIFC programs.
  • Respond to general enquiries the Aboriginal Family Support Program’s purpose, processes and procedures and/or any other information being requested.
  • Research appropriate agencies for relevant referrals, resources and available community programs.
  • Network and liaise with other TBIFC programs, community agencies, funding sources, etc.
  • Assist in developing promotional materials that advertises the program’s services and upcoming events.
  • Organize and/or participate in public education about early childhood and family support workshops for the community.
  • Support and participate in the development of Indigenous community child and youth initiatives.

6. Training and Professional Development:

  • Participate in relevant conferences, training workshops and related courses and meetings for professional development as required or directed.
  • Attend workshops, staff meetings, etc. as directed.
  • Keep apprised of relevant legislation or policy changes in relation to the early childhood and social services fields.
  • Identify professional development / training needs and brings to the attention of the Director of Operations for approval.
  1. Health and Safety:
  • Observe health, fire and safety regulations; uphold health and safety standards.
  • Ensure that the Health and Safety policies incorporated into daily working practices are adhered to.
  • Maintain Standard First Aid Level C with AED certification.
  • Maintain current Safe Food Handling certification.

8. General Duties:

  • Perform other duties relevant to the program as assigned by the Executive Director / Director of Operations or designate.
  • Observe and uphold the policies, procedures, and practices of the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre.
  • Actively recruit, train and provide supervision to student placements, volunteers, etc.
  • Ensure that client files and tangible resources (i.e. bus tickets, food vouchers, gift cards, etc.) are secured in a locked filing cabinet on a daily basis.
  • Actively promote and participate in community and TBIFC annual activities in keeping with the mandate and philosophy of the Friendship Centre.
  • Work with other members of the team to ensure a wholistic program of care is maintained addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of the service users.
  • Attend the Friendship Centre Annual General Meeting.
  • Ensure the premises and program resources are safe and secure.
  • Work within an Aboriginal culturally competent framework.

RELATIONSHIPS:

  1. Executive Director / Director of Operations:

The Early Childhood Development Worker will keep the Executive Director / Director of Operationsapprised of all important matters related to the Aboriginal Family Support Program by providing written reports for review and oral reports on an ad hoc basis.

2. Aboriginal Family Support Worker:

The Early Childhood Development Worker will keep the Aboriginal Family Support Worker apprised of all important matters related to the Aboriginal Family Support Program by providing regular written reports and oral reports on an ad hoc basis. The Early Childhood Development Worker will work closely with the Aboriginal Family Support Worker.

3. TBIFC Program Staff:

The Early Childhood Development Worker will work with other TBIFC program staff by maintaining communication to share information relevant to the program, to maintain appropriate referrals to programs and services, and to participate in joint programming.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Early Childhood Development Worker is accountable to the Executive Director / Director of Operationsfor the efficient performance of his / her function.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Upon commencement of employment, the Early Childhood Development Worker will be placed on a nine (9) month probationary period. An extended period of probation may be instituted at the discretion of the Executive Director. A performance appraisal will be completed at the end of the probationary period and will occur once annually thereafter.

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Early Childhood Development Worker Job Description

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  1. Hours may vary but shall not exceed 35 hours per week unless prior approval has been authorized to exceed terms and conditions.
  1. Adheres to policies and procedures according to the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’s Personnel Policy Manual - March 24, 2010.
  1. Abides by the Code of Ethics as adopted by the Thunder Bay IndigenousFriendship Centre.

4. Adheres and applies the following:

a) A Policy Dealing with Allegations of Abuse against Individuals.

b) A Protocol for the Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect between Dilico Ojibway Child and Family Services and the Indian Youth Friendship Society

  1. Signs and adheres to an Oath of Confidentiality

6.Maintain a clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance

CAUSES FOR DISMISSAL:

Please refer to the Thunder Bay IndigenousFriendship Centre’s Personnel Policy Manual.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands

Caring for children can be physically demanding. The Early Childhood Development Worker will be lifting and carrying children and equipment up to 50 lbs., and may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture. The Early Childhood Development Worker will be expected to clean and maintain equipment and facility, and may move throughout the community with children. The Early Childhood Development Worker may come in contact with children who are ill and/or contagious, and must take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, staff and themselves.

Environmental Conditions

The Early Childhood Development Worker will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Early Childhood Development Worker will have to supervise all children at all times. Traditional Medicines and healing practices are utilized in ceremonies and circles; these may affect senses and respiratory system.

Sensory Demands

The Early Childhood Development Worker may experience smells associated with toileting and children who are ill. There may be times that the environment is noisy and busy. The Early Childhood Development Worker must be very adept at listening to others and spending long hours on the computer preparing detailed reports which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

Mental Demands

Caring for children can be stressful. The Early Childhood Development Worker must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time. There are regular deadlines associated with this position which may cause stress. The Early Childhood Development Worker must deal with a wide variety of people and will have to manage a number of requests and situations at one time.

CERTIFICATION

I certify that I have read and understand the responsibilities to this position.
Employee Signature
Printed Name Date / Supervisor has reviewed with employee the job responsibilities as described in this document and has discussed expected standards of performance.
Director of Operations
Supervisor’s Title
Supervisor’s Signature Date

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

April 2017

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